Transfer of Training: An Updated Review and Analysis

This study updates the Baldwin and Ford (1988) review of the empirical articles published on training transfer. The updated review and analysis revolves around the four key limitations noted in the original review: (1) the criterion problem of how and when to measure training transfer, (2) the generalizability of results from training design studies, (3) the choice of which trainee characteristics to examine for their impact on transfer, and (4) the conceptualization and operationalization of work environment factors that can impact transfer. Twenty studies were found in the literature since the 1988 review on training transfer. An analysis of these studies found that progress has been made in addressing many of the limitations noted by Baldwin and Ford. This paper concludes with a discussion of future research directions for training transfer research relevant to each of the four areas of criterion measurement, training design, trainee characteristics, and work environment.